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Article Title: The Role of Teachers of Young Children in ensuring Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Education Curriculum Implementation
by Obidike, Ngozi Diwunma and Enemuo, Joy Obiageli

Abstract:
Developmentally appropriate practice demands that teachers meet children where they are developmentally and enable them to reach goals that are both challenging and achievable. In other words, it is the role of the teacher to ensure that goals and experiences are suited to children's learning and development and challenging enough to promote their progress and interest. The purpose of this paper therefore is to examine the role of teachers of young children in ensuring developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood education curriculum implementation. This will enable the teachers to be aware of and to ensure developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood education, especially in curriculum implementation as this will enhance appropriate learning in children. The paper describes the roles under four primary curriculum areas: methods of teaching, materials and equipment made available for children, arranging play and learning environment and assessment of children. It recommends, among others, that all teaching practices should be appropriate to children's age and developmental status, and that teachers of young children should attend to them as unique individuals and responsive to the social and cultural contexts in which they live.

Keywords: developmentally appropriate, practices, curriculum, implementation and education

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